Travel Nurse RN - Dialysis - $1,881 per week in Asheville, NC

A Registered Nurse (RN) in Renal (Nephrology) provides specialized care to patients with kidney diseases or conditions affecting the renal system, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney failure, and those requiring dialysis. This role involves monitoring renal function, administering treatments, educating patients about their conditions, and providing support for renal therapies such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The RN in renal care works closely with nephrologists, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

• Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' medical history, current kidney function, and related comorbidities.
  • Monitor vital signs, fluid balance, and lab results such as serum creatinine, electrolytes, and urine output to assess kidney function and response to treatments.
  • Identify early signs of kidney deterioration or complications, including electrolyte imbalances, and report them to the healthcare team.
  • Perform physical assessments, including monitoring for edema, blood pressure changes, and other symptoms of renal dysfunction.

• Dialysis Care and Management:

  • Administer hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatments to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney injury (AKI), ensuring the process is done safely and effectively.
  • Prepare dialysis equipment, monitor during the procedure, and troubleshoot any issues with the dialysis machine or access sites (e.g., AV fistulas, grafts, or peritoneal catheters).
  • Monitor the patient throughout dialysis for signs of adverse reactions, such as hypotension, fluid overload, or infections at the access site.
  • Provide post-dialysis care, including monitoring for complications, such as bleeding, infection, or electrolyte imbalances.

• Patient Education and Support:

  • Educate patients about chronic kidney disease, treatment options, dialysis, and how to manage their condition at home.
  • Provide instruction on home dialysis procedures, including peritoneal dialysis, when applicable, and ensure patients are well-informed on how to care for their dialysis access and manage any complications.
  • Teach patients about dietary restrictions, fluid management, and medication adherence to optimize kidney function and prevent further damage.
  • Offer emotional and psychological support to patients and their families, addressing the impact of kidney disease and dialysis on their lives.

• Medication Administration and Management:

  • Administer medications as prescribed, including those for blood pressure control, anemia management (e.g., erythropoiesis-stimulating agents), and electrolyte imbalances.
  • Monitor the effectiveness and side effects of medications, adjusting as necessary under the guidance of the nephrologist.
  • Educate patients on the proper use of medications and the importance of compliance with prescribed regimens, especially in relation to dialysis and managing kidney disease symptoms.

• Coordination with Healthcare Team:

  • Collaborate with nephrologists, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients with renal conditions.
  • Participate in patient care rounds, providing updates on patient status, response to dialysis, and any concerns regarding renal function.
  • Communicate with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordination of care for patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which can impact kidney health.

• Infection Control and Safety:

  • Follow strict infection control procedures, especially when handling dialysis equipment, managing dialysis access points, or caring for patients with chronic renal conditions.
  • Monitor for signs of infection at dialysis access sites (e.g., dialysis fistulas, grafts, or catheters) and take appropriate action when necessary.
  • Educate patients on infection prevention, including hygiene practices for dialysis access care.

• Documentation and Record-Keeping:

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, treatments, dialysis sessions, lab results, and any changes in condition.
  • Ensure that patient records are compliant with regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, and institutional standards for documentation and privacy.
  • Track patient progress and response to treatments, including monitoring lab values such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

• Emergency Care and Response:

  • Provide emergency care in situations such as dialysis complications (e.g., hypotension, fluid overload, or blood clotting), acute kidney injury, or electrolyte disturbances.
  • Respond to patient needs promptly, including the need for immediate adjustments to dialysis treatments or medications.
  • Perform basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) when needed.